Pakistan SCO Summit: Restrictions Imposed in Karachi, Punjab amid PTI’s Islamabad protest call

Restrictions have been imposed lower than Section a hundred and forty four in Pakistan’s Karachi upfront of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit which is scheduled to be held within the city on October 15, 16. In keeping with media reports, the Karachi administration has enforced Section a hundred and forty four across the city for four days, starting October Thirteen till October 17, “to make certain public safety and do something about law and order”.

As per an official notification, all gathering of 5 or more people, processions, and public meetings worldwide this period are prohibited worldwide this period, ARY News reported.

The decision comes after a recommendation from Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ghulam Nabi Memon, who cited potential threats to peace as the main explanation for the restriction.

As per the ARY News report, the IGP wrote a letter to the Karachi administration, warning of protests and rallies that can disrupt peace worldwide SCO summit. In his letter the IGP noted that protest gathering may pose serious security risks, aside from causing inconvenience to citizens.

The ban on public gatherings is meant to offer protection to the final word public and do something about peace within the city worldwide this period, the notification said.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Home Ministry has also imposed Section a hundred and forty four in 5 districts of Punjab for three days. These districts–Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzzafargarh, Rajanpur, and Kot Addu–will see a ban on all political gatherings, sit-ins, and rallies until October 15.

The provincial government, citing security concerns, issued the restriction to avoid large gatherings from turning into potential targets for miscreants. The federal government’s focal point is on guaranteeing public safety worldwide the period when the danger of unrest is heightened.

This series of restrictions coincides with an announcement by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) celebration, which has scheduled a protest at Islamabad’s D-Chowk on October 15. The timing of this demonstration is vitally important, because it should coincide with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, ARY News reported.

The presence of international leaders on the summit has raised concerns about security, with authorities in search of to minimise the danger of disruption on account of large-scale protests worldwide the high-profile event.

(With ANI inputs)